Universities That Conduct Post‑UTME Exam in Nigeria 2025/2026

Introduction

In Nigeria, after you write JAMB (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination), many universities ask you to take another test called Post‑UTME exam. This article lists the universities that conduct Post‑UTME exam in Nigeria 2025/2026, explains what it means, shows why it matters, and guides you step by step—very simply, so even a 10‑year‑old can understand. We’ll also share how to apply, advantages and disadvantages, compare universities, give examples, a summary table, FAQs, and more. Let’s make it clear and helpful for every Nigerian student.

1. What Is Post‑UTME and Why Do Universities Use It? (Definition & Purpose)

Post‑UTME stands for Post‑Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. It’s a test that many Nigerian universities give after JAMB results. They use it to check how well students know their chosen subjects and to pick the best candidates for admission.

A simple example: Suppose you scored 240 in JAMB and want to study Medicine. A university might still ask you to do Post‑UTME, to make sure you can handle the science subjects you will study. It’s like a second check to be fair, and to choose students who are ready for university lessons.

2. Why Post‑UTME Matters to Students (Importance)

Second chance to show your skills beyond JAMB score.
Helps universities rank applicants by a better measure.
High Post‑UTME score can boost your admission chances, even with moderate JAMB.
It also ensures you understand key subjects before you begin university classes.
Without passing Post‑UTME, many universities won’t offer admission, even with great JAMB.

3. How to Know Which Universities Require Post‑UTME (How‑To)

Here’s how to find out if a university needs Post‑UTME in 2025/2026:

Visit the university’s official admission website or portal. They always publish requirements and exam details.
Check JAMB Brochure—it lists post‑UTME requirements for each institution by session.
Follow university social media or news posts, where they announce updates.
Contact the admissions office by phone or email and ask directly.
Ask current students or alumni from that university—they often know what the school will do.

4. List of Universities That Conduct Post‑UTME Exam in Nigeria 2025/2026 (Main Section)

Here is a simplified and easy-to-remember list, broken into Federal, State, and Private universities—each known to conduct Post‑UTME. Note: This list is typical based on past patterns, common practice, and general knowledge. Students should always check the specific university’s official portal for 2025/2026 updates to be sure.

A. Federal Universities

These are public universities owned by the Nigerian federal government. Most, if not all, conduct Post‑UTME:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Ibadan (UI)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

B. State Universities

Owned by state governments. Many require Post‑UTME too:

Lagos State University (LASU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Edo State
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Abia State
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Imo State University (IMSU)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Rivers State University (RSU)

C. Private Universities

Privately owned, but many also use Post‑UTME screening:

Covenant University, Ota
Babcock University, Ogun State
American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo State
Pan‑Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos
Igbinedion University, Okada

Example note for simplicity:

UNILAG, OAU, UNN are Federal and almost always hold Post‑UTME.
LASU and OOU are among most popular State universities that also run Post‑UTME.
Covenant, Babcock, AUN all conduct Post‑UTME to screen applicants.

5. How to Apply and Prepare for Each Type of University (Steps)

Though steps are similar, slight differences exist across Federal, State, and Private schools. Here is a simple step‑by‑step guide:

Step 1: Get JAMB Admission List and Score

After you get your JAMB result, check if you are on the Admission List for your first-choice university. You need this before Post‑UTME.

Step 2: Visit University Portal and Register for Post‑UTME

Log into the official portal or admission page of your chosen university.
Look for “Post‑UTME registration” or “Screening” section.
Fill in your details: JAMB registration number, email, O’Level grades, etc.
Pay the Post‑UTME fee (often via bank or online payment gateway).
Print your Post‑UTME slip that has exam date, time, and venue.

Step 3: Prepare for Exam

Download or buy the Post‑UTME syllabus from the portal.
Get past question booklets for that university or national common patterns.
Study with textbooks and practice MCQs or essay questions, depending on format.
Join study groups, use online resources, or hire tutors if needed.

Step 4: Take the Exam

Show up at the exam centre at least 30–60 minutes early.
Bring your slip, pen, scratch paper, and any admitted items.
Follow instructions carefully, manage your time, answer easiest questions first.

Step 5: Check Result, Then Admission List

After the exam, check the portal for Post‑UTME score.
Your final admission score may combine JAMB and Post‑UTME results.
If you meet the cut‑off mark and qualify, your name appears on the admission list.
Accept the admission, print your admission letter, and follow school’s next steps.

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Post‑UTME by University Type (Pros & Cons)

This helps you understand differences when applying to different universities.

A. Federal Universities

Pros:

Often have higher reputation and academic standards.
Uniform Post‑UTME practice across many schools.
Good campus facilities and teaching staff.

Cons:

Very competitive cut‑off marks.
Large number of applicants, so pressure is high.
Security protocols may be strict at exam centres.

B. State Universities

Pros:

Usually less competitive than top Federal universities.
Sometimes lower Post‑UTME fees.
Good balance of cost, quality, and access.

Cons:

Varies in quality across states.
Some may have limited facilities or unstable academic calendars.
Post‑UTME schedules may shift unexpectedly.

C. Private Universities

Pros:

Often smaller class sizes, more personal attention.
Modern facilities, well‑planned campuses.
Exams may be more manageable and less crowded.

Cons:

Higher cost of tuition and screening fees.
Some may not have JAMB as sole qualifier, requiring extra aptitude tests or interviews.
Varying academic reputation—some not yet as established.

7. Comparison: Federal vs. State vs. Private Universities’ Post‑UTME

Here’s a clear comparison to help students choose and prepare wisely:

University Type	Post‑UTME Difficulty	Exam Fees	Admission Competition	Campuses & Facilities	Best For…
Federal Unis	High	Medium (affordable)	Very high	Vast, well‑equipped	Strong JAMB scorers, top academics
State Unis	Medium	Low to Medium	Moderate	Vary—some good, some basic	JAMB moderate scorers, cost‑sensitive
Private Unis	Low to Medium	High	Low to Moderate	Excellent, modern	Students seeking calm space, ready to pay

8. Summary Table Before Conclusion

A handy table to recap all key points:

Section	Key Takeaway
Definition & Purpose	Post‑UTME is second screening after JAMB, used by many universities
Importance	Helps universities pick best candidates; you must pass it
How to Know Which Schools Use It	Check portals, official brochures, contact schools
Universities Listed	Federal (UNILAG, UI…), State (LASU, OOU…), Private (Covenant, Babcock…)
How to Apply & Prepare	Steps: register, pay fee, practice, sit exam, check results
Pros & Cons by Type	Federal: high quality, high stress; State: moderate; Private: comfort, cost
Comparison Table	Helps decide which university type fits your situation

9. FAQs with Clear Answers (User Questions)

1. Do all Nigerian universities require Post‑UTME in 2025/2026?
No. Most Federal, State, and many Private universities require it, but a few may use direct admission or interviews instead. Always check the official portal of each school.

2. How much is Post‑UTME fee in Federal universities?
Fees are usually moderate—around ₦1,000 to ₦3,000. Private university fees can be higher, maybe ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 or more.

3. Does Post‑UTME include same subjects as JAMB?
Often, yes. But some universities add extra subjects or limit to core subjects. Check your course’s requirements on the portal.

4. Where do I get Post‑UTME past questions?
You can buy past question booklets from bookstores. Some free PDFs may be on school sites or education blogs. Use only trusted sources.

5. Can I apply to both Federal and Private universities at once?
Yes. After JAMB, you can register and sit for Post‑UTME in multiple universities—just pay each university’s fee separately.

6. Do all universities use the same Post‑UTME exam pattern?
No. Some use MCQs, others use essays, or both. Each school publishes their format—always check.

7. What if I can’t travel for exam in city?
Some schools allow exams at regional centres. Others may offer online Post‑UTME (especially private universities). Always check portal options.

8. Can Post‑UTME score compensate for low JAMB?
Sometimes. Some universities combine scores—e.g., 60% JAMB + 40% Post‑UTME. If your JAMB is moderate, a strong Post‑UTME can help, but not always fully compensate.

9. Do private universities give scholarships after Post‑UTME?
Yes, many private universities have scholarship programs. High Post‑UTME scores may qualify you—ask admissions or visit portal.

10. How long will it take to get Post‑UTME result and admission list?
Usually within 1–2 weeks after exam. Federal universities may take longer due to volume. Private ones often report faster.

11. Can I request exam venue change?
Some schools allow it for valid reasons (like distance), but most don’t. It depends on school policy—check the portal or ask admissions.

12. Do universities release syllabus for Post‑UTME?
Yes. Most publish syllabus and pattern in portal, including topics to study. Use these for focused preparation.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, many universities in Nigeria—Federal, State, and Private—conduct Post‑UTME exams in 2025/2026. This article showed you: what Post‑UTME means, why it matters, how to check which universities use it, a clear list of such universities, step-by-step application guidance, pros and cons by university type, helpful comparison tables, and clear FAQs.

To succeed:

Always check the official school portal for up‑to‑date info.
Prepare early—register, study syllabus, practice, rest well.
Choose the right schools based on your strengths, finances, and location.

You can stand out with good preparation and smart choices. Now go ahead—check your preferred universities, apply, study, and do your best! I’m rooting for your success in Post‑UTME 2025/2026.